1. Why should you get screened for colorectal cancer?
According to the Centre for Health Protection, colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Hong Kong. Early stages of colorectal cancer are often difficult to detect, and it has long been the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Hong Kong.
In 2023, there were 33,518 hospital discharges and deaths due to malignant tumors of the colon, rectum, and anus (collectively known as colorectal cancer), accounting for 12.3% of all cancer-related hospitalizations. In the same year, 2,226 people died from colorectal cancer.
The purpose of colorectal cancer screening is to detect cancer in individuals who have no symptoms, enabling early diagnosis and treatment and greatly improving the chances of recovery.

2. Do participants need to pay extra for the government-subsidized program? Will there be follow-up if the results are positive?
The government-subsidized free colorectal cancer screening program is updated annually on January 1. The government provides eligible individuals with one free fecal immunochemical test (FIT). If the result is positive and further procedures such as colonoscopy or polyp removal are required, the participating doctor may charge an additional fee of no more than HK$1,000.
The screening helps identify individuals with colorectal cancer or those at high risk before symptoms appear, allowing them to receive early treatment and significantly improving their recovery rate.

3. Who is eligible for the free government-subsidized colorectal cancer screening program?
Individuals meeting all of the following criteria^ are eligible to participate:

• Aged 50 to 75 (by calendar year; for this year, those born between 1949 and 1975);

• Holder of a Hong Kong Identity Card# or a Certificate of Exemption;

• Have no symptoms or high-risk factors for colorectal cancer (such as family history), and have not undergone colorectal cancer screening or examination within the specified period;

• Registered under eHealth (the Government’s Electronic Health Record Sharing System).

Individuals whose permission to stay or reside in Hong Kong has expired or is no longer valid, even if they hold a Hong Kong Identity Card, are excluded.

For more details on eligible participants, please visit:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/30/P2024123000400.htm

4. How can I participate in the free government-subsidized colorectal cancer screening program?
Human Health is a government-recognized service provider. Many of its general practitioners and specialists are registered to provide colorectal cancer screening, colonoscopy, and polyp removal services under this program.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, visit any Human Health Medical Centre to undergo the free screening. Registration and collection of the test kit can be done on the same day without an appointment.
For details about each medical centre, use the “Search Doctor/Service” function at the top right of this website to find and contact the nearest Human Health General Practice Centre.

Eligible individuals may also complete this form for pre-registration and appointment arrangement.